Question

Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the value for ( show work )

Answer 1

x = 12

Explanation:

x^2 + (x - 7)^2 = (x + 1)^2

x^2 + x^2 - 14x + 49 = x^2 + 2x + 1

x^2 - 16x + 48 = 0

(x - 4)(x - 12) = 0

x - 4 = 0 or x - 12 = 0

x = 4 or x = 12

One side has length x - 7.

For x = 4, x - 7 = 4 - 7 = -3.

Since a side of a triangle cannot have a negative length, x = 4 must be discarded.

Answer: x = 12